Hurricane Isaac’s Unearthed Coffins and Tombs

A few of Hurricane Isaac’s unearthed coffins and tombs continue to line the Mississippi River levee in Plaquemines Parish, some still standing askew near houses or amid woods. By now, though, the majority of the disinterred remains are back in the Braithwaite cemeteries where they once peacefully rested.

About 150 tombs and coffins floated away, some about a mile, from the east bank’s cemeteries during Isaac. State and parish crews have worked about two months to bring them home.

“It’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together,” said Plaquemines Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Mudge, who, in a cooperative agreement between the parish government and Sheriff’s Office, is assisting in the rehabilitation efforts. The parish government is picking up the initial cost with the expectation of getting reimbursement from FEMA.